Think the peaceful protest against war started in the 60s?  Nope.  The 60s may have brought us “make love, not war”, but ancient Greece brought us “until you stop making war, we’ll stop making love”.

Enter the Canopy Theatre production of Lysistrata.

If you’re unfamiliar with the story, a woman, Lysistrata, convinces the women of Greece to deny men sex until they stop their fighting in a civil war.  She’s successful.  Sex is denied.  And that leads to a lot of sexually frustrated people, and what’s funnier than sexually frustrated people?

Aristophanes wrote Lysistrata a very very long time ago.  Far more recently, Germaine Greer adapted the piece.  She’s stuck to the original ideas of bawdy humour, explicit, and sexy interplay.   She’s also stuck with the exploration of gender-based issues, expanding it to include issues of gender politics and class bias.  You know, alongside the crazy phalluses of Ancient Greek Theatre.

The press release tells us “Andrea Wasserman, Canopy Theatre Company’s Artistic Director directs this bawdy, bathhouse adaptation where no joke is too cheap or tawdry.” and warns that this is NOT a child-friendly production.  Adults only please.

Opening on Wednesday, you can get all this excitement for only $10 a ticket!  It’s nice to be able to follow up Fringe Fest with another $10 per ticket show.  The piece takes place outside, on Philosopher’s Stage, which is just behind the ROM in the downtown core.

The hot and steamy outdoor production seems a pretty good match with the hot and steamy weather we’ve been having.  My suggestion is, when you check this one out, go scantily clad and bring a hand fan.
Details:

• Lysistrata –The Sex Strike runs from July 20 – August 6, 2011 on Wednesday to Saturdays at 8pm
• Takes place at 80 Queen’s Park, just steps from the Museum Subway station – The stage is located off of Philosopher’s Walk next to the Edward Johnson Building and the Law Faculty on the campus of UofT.
• Unfortunately, like much outdoor theatre, there are no seats, so B.Y.O.B. -Bring Your Own Blanket (Lawn chairs welcome around edge of seating area)
• Tickets are $10 for Adults, and $8 for Students and Seniors – Pay What You Can Wednesdays.  They are available in advance at UofTtix Box Office or in person at the door (cash only)

Photo of Kathleen Black, Andrea Blakey, Claire Acott, Gaby Grice, Carolyn Hall and Lesley Robertson by Daniel DiMarco
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